The Micropattern Suit

Up close with the Express. Notice how small the pattern is and how close the colors are.

Sure a solid navy or charcoal suit is a great staple to have in your closet. But patterns will get you noticed. If you want to stand out a little more, think about the fabric of your expertly tailored two piece. Most guys get solid or pinstripe suits, and nothing else. Both are fine options, but micro-patterns offer more depth without making you look like a gangster, or worse yet… the Poster Expert from Antiques Roadshow.

The pattern should be something small, tiny even, and tonal. Think birdseye, or herringbone and houndstooth, on which the individual shapes aren’t that different when it comes to shade. It adds depth and makes your suit look much more expensive than it actually is.

But again, keep those colors close. You want an effect similar to Pointillism. Y’know, someone far enough away thinks you’re wearing a solid suit. But once they get closer they can see there’s more to what you’re wearing. What you don’t want is a pattern that’s got so much contrast you look like you’re wearing scales.

The Express Houndstooth Stretch Wool Suit does all of this perfectly, with some of the best not too thin/not too wide lapels I’ve seen yet. I tried it on and was genuinely impressed with the look and fit. Skip the vest unless you’re really wanting to make a statement. The J. Crew Ludlow Herringbone is a slightly more modern cut with thinner lapels. The quality is up there, but you’ll pay for it too.